Flourishing

A Sermon. On the Mount.

From Jesus, of Nazareth, the Messiah:

When Jesus saw the crowds he ascended the mountain. And when he sat down his disciples came to him. And he opened his mouth and taught them, saying:

Flourishing are the poor in spirit because the kingdom of heaven is theirs.

Flourishing are the mourners because they will be comforted.

Flourishing are the humble because they will inherit the world.

Flourishing are the ones hungering and thirsting for righteousness because they will be satisfied.

Flourishing are the merciful because they will be given mercy.

Flourishing are the pure in heart because they will see God.

Flourishing are the peacemakers because they will be called the children of God.

Flourishing are the ones persecuted on account of righteousness because the kingdom of heaven is theirs.

Flourishing are you whenever people revile and slander and speak all kinds of evil things against you on account of me.

Rejoice and be glad because your reward is great in heaven. In this same way people slandered the prophets who came before you.

(translation by Jonathan Pennington)